La Corona Volcano

From the top you look straight down into the crater, its inner slopes streaked red. Turn round and the view runs in every direction: the vineyards of Yé below, and the lava field this volcano laid down some 21,000 years ago, the same flow that made Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua.

The path is quiet. At first light the summit can be yours alone, and planes passing overhead throw their shadows across the crater floor. Cloud suits the place too: under a grey sky the cone looks darker and more dramatic.

• There are no toilets and no drinking water at the volcano or nearby — bring water from home.
• The path is loose rock, and near the summit you need your hands in places. Wear shoes with grip.
• You cannot walk round the crater rim; the view is from the top of the path.
• The cone is bare and gives no shade, so avoid the middle of a hot day and cover up.

The usual start is the church in Yé, at about 400 m. Leave the car there and take the path out through the vineyards; from there it climbs steadily on loose rock towards the summit, some 200 m higher, with a guidepost and route markers along the way. The outing comes to about 2 km up and down, and the last stretch below the top is rough enough to need your hands.

By bus, the nearest stop is Cruce de Guinate, about 830 m from the volcano in a straight line, and the rest is on foot.

Best: early morning, before sunrise if you can, or an overcast day.

Avoid: the middle of a hot, sunny day.

The cone has no shade and no water on the way, while at first light the path is empty and the low sun picks out the red of the crater.

The main route from Yé up to the crater is open to walkers. Some side paths shown on maps are closed off with wire gates and signs; treat them as closed and keep to the open path. The lower stretch runs between vineyards, which are working farmland, so stay on the track.